As news of the death of iconic actor John Hurt broke on Friday evening, tributes from peers, friends and admirers alike poured out for the two-time Academy Award nominee.
“It was terribly sad today to learn of John Hurt’s passing. He was a truly magnificent talent,” said comedy legend Mel Brooks, who directed Hurt in a hilarious performance as Jesus Christ in “The History of the World Pt. 1” and was an uncredited executive producer in Hurt’s most notable film, “Elephant Man.”
“John Hurt, kind, non judgmental, fragile, like an alpine flower that trembles in the freezing wind, but tenaciously holds on and survives,” Helen Mirren said in a statement. “He wore his humanity on his sleeve, and this was one of the qualities that made him into the great actor he was. He also had a core of great strength and humour that made him able to face the world and achieve so much. We will miss you, dear colleague.”
“Cannot believe news of passing of my old friend,” tweeted Cary Elwes. “Goodnight Sweet Prince.”
Hurt, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his turn in 1978’s “Midnight Express” and for Best Actor for 1980’s “The Elephant Man”, disclosed in 2015 that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
See further tributes below.
It was terribly sad today to learn of John Hurt's passing. He was a truly magnificent talent.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) January 28, 2017
JOHN HURT. Simply an inspiration to all of us artists. Hopefully he will influence many actors in the future for a long long time. pic.twitter.com/LDlB07CB58
— Vincent D'Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) January 28, 2017
Oh no. What terrible news. We've lost #JohnHurt as great on the stage, small screen and big. A great man & great friend of Norfolk & #NCFC
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 28, 2017
John Hurt was one of the most powerful, giving, and effortlessly real actors I've ever worked with. Remarkable human being. U will be missed
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) January 28, 2017
Cannot believe news of passing of my old friend. Goodnight Sweet Prince #JohnHurt #amanforallseasons #alien #elephantman #midnightexpress pic.twitter.com/mQ1sAZBTpT
— Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/825154788262244352
RIP the great John Hurt. He often picked roles that saw the future coming. pic.twitter.com/GaQD55UoJZ
— Gary Whitta (@garywhitta) January 28, 2017
John Hurt. What an acting legend. Rest in peace dear Sir. Wand shopping won't be the same without you ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/jRrRCX8PZv
— Bonnie Wright (@thisisbwright) January 28, 2017
Very sad to hear of John Hurt's passing. It was such an honor to have watched you work, sir.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) January 28, 2017
So so sad to hear the news about #JohnHurt
An absurdly gifted, brilliant actor and a very funny beautiful man
RIP John x— Stephen Moyer (@smoyer) January 28, 2017
I will forever cherish the memories I have of the incomparable John Hurt. A brilliant actor & a beautiful soul.
— Jamie Bell (@1jamiebell) January 28, 2017